Hybrid Trilogy

Chapter 49 Fightback

The three Witches all linked arms, whilst the Vampires stood behind them ready to pounce. Theon hid amongst the trees, "we" said the one who appeared to be the lead Witch "evoke the power of three." The power of three was believed among Witches & Warlocks to be one of the most powerful unions of magic outside of that of the lady Alcina. With her declaration, a bolt off magical light flew forth from all 3 Witches outstretched hands, & all joined just before it smashed into the invisible wall, causing an immense explosion of light & sparks. Theon looked on light reflecting in his yellow eyes as he sheltered behind the trees.

All three of the Witches seemed confident that their powers were sufficient once combined to shatter the protection spell, that shielded the territory & for a moment Theon too was convinced of it. At the point of contact with the wall, there was a white-hot glow, of such intensity, that fear took hold of him & he stepped out into view from behind the trees letting out a terrifying howl.

The howl alerted George & the rest of the pack, so they all rushed in the direction of the sparks of light changing as they did into Werewolves. Just before George did he called back "you had better come too Alcina, there will be Witches as he began taking off his clothes" & then as a Werewolf he too was gone. The three Witches were quite perturbed that even with the combined power of three, their magic had failed to get through the shield, a feeling that was magnified as they saw the huge pack of angry looking, advancing Werewolves that were emerging behind the young Warlock, & then even more so when from out of a sudden materializing white smoke stepped the lady Alcina.

She was a little surprised that they didn't bow when she came into view "do you not know who I am?" She asked quizzically "I don't much care" began the Witch who was clearly taking the lead "it's obvious that I must summon the lady Cassandra to deal with your impertinence & your coven" she said in a superiorly sarcastic voice. "I AM THE LADY ALCINA MY GIRL" the lady said a little agitated, the three Witches exchanged perplexing looks "I confess that I am confused, lady Cassandra dispatched the lady Alcina, so I doubt the claim that you make" said one of the three bitterly. At this the lady's agitation turned to anger "In many thousands of years there has always been an Alcina at the head of our coven" she began in a calming but dark determined voice "AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO SPEAK OF THIS CASSANDRA LIKE SHE IS AS, IF NOT MORE POWERFUL" the lady shouted loudly as her normal composure left her. She thrust out her arms, & her eyes turned from their usual emerald green, to pure white as she walked forward, George, Unity & Theon all moved forward in unison under the lady's spell, the three Witches exchanged apprehensively worried looks whilst the three Vampires became suddenly excited at the prospect of both some action & an apparent easy meal. The four all passed through the invisible magical wall, their body's being outlined in a faint purple aura as they did. Once on the outside of the wall, the three Witches tried in vain to cast spells at the four, but with a casual wave of the lady's hand, they all found themselves frozen. At this the three Vampires who were clearly not inexperienced advanced menacingly at speed, the Vampire that went for Theon bounced off his immense frame like he had just run at a concrete wall & despite his apparent immunity to death, perished, the one that went for George was instantly beheaded closely followed by two of the three Witches disappearing, the third Witch who it appeared had been the lead Witch was, despite the fact she was unable to move still full of bravado & self-assurance, confident that her Vampire master who was now approaching Unity Menacingly, the lady walked forward until she was nose to nose with the captured Witch and calmly but with firm deliverance said "know this sister, no more shell the Vampire control us or our coven." Unity seemed to understand the silent instruction given to her by the lady, so as the Vampire went to attack, her hand shot out, grasping the Vampire by the throat lifting him from the ground leaving him paralyzed.

"NOW YOU KNOW THAT I REALLY AM THE LADY ALCINA.....I HOPE" she said to the suddenly fear stricken Witch, who glanced over seeing her Vampire Charge as he was clearly trapped & unable to break free, the defeated girl, aged about 20 years with blond straight hair wearing a black cat suit, looked around clearly feeling very frightened "y..y..yes my lady" the girl replied stuttering timidly closing her eyes. "good, then we understand one another." The lady began with a firmness, that made even George look over at her, turning his head to the side as he did in his Werewolf form. "what is your name girl" again said with little or no warmth "Buttercup my lady" the girl replied again with timidity "now child" the lady barked & then with a little softness & warmth in her voice "tell me all you can about Cassandra & Mandrake" at this the captive Vampire shouted with some difficulty "TELL HER NOTHING WITCH!!! He Demanded, "I will not lord, I can resist her persuasion" Buttercup whimpered back looking with a mixture of obstinance & trepidation at the Lady. The Vampire could sense that the chance of his daylight protector being able to withhold information was very, very slim indeed, & as such saw only one course of action available to him, he reached out & made to attack Unity & instinctively she pulled him close, biting his face with unfettered aggression, turning him almost instantly to dust. Buttercup looked on helplessly, her eyes filling with tears, as obstinate confidence gave way to fear & panic overtook her, calling out almost inaudibly "NO" & then she was gone. Unity looked apologetically over to the lady Alcina, who in turn gave her a reassuring glance & smile "don't worry child, you couldn't have prevented that" she said.

Before they returned to the village the lady reaffirmed the magical shield wall that surrounded the territory & also made sure that George & his pack were clothed as they changed back to human form. Led by the lady & Unity they returned to the square, Ruby ran to greet them hugging & kissing all three of them (you'd think we'd been gone for weeks) George thought pleased with the attention but a little confused.

The Lady Alcina summoned the villagers & the coven leaders to the square the following morning & stood atop the steps of the village hall "THE TIME IS NOW APON US" she began resolutely "IT IS TIME TO TAKE THE FIGHT TO THEM." Continued the lady, but didn't give the villagers time to settle or object " BUT WE ARE NOT READY" came a cry from the gathered crowd. "ALAS MY BROTHERS & SISTERS OUR HAND IS FORCED, EATHER WE TAKE THE FIGHT TO THEM, OR THEY WILL BRING IT TO US" she continued loudly "AND THE RISKS TO OUR YOUNG, & IN FACT TO OUR VERY WAY OF LIFE, IS FAR TOO GREAT." The lady Alcina said firmly & then added "SO MY FAMILY, WE ARE SO READY TO FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES" she concluded with defiant confidence, to sudden rapturous applause & cheers from the crowd.